Two people have been fatally shot in the western US state of Idaho while responding to a brush fire, say officials.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Robert Norris said at least one active shooter was firing at law enforcement with a high-powered rifle in the city of Coeur d’Alene.
“We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four” shooters, said Sheriff Norris, adding that officers had reported bullets coming from various directions. Residents have been asked to avoid the scene.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said agents were responding to “provide tactical and operational support”. Governor Brad Little posted on X that “multiple heroic firefighters” were attacked.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” said the governor. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”
He added: “As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”
Sheriff Norris told a news conference that there were other people at the scene of the shootout on Canfield Mountain, including hikers.
He said the call about the brush fire came in around 13:22 local time (19:22 GMT) on Sunday. He said at 14:00, firefighters reported shots fired.
Sheriff Norris said the suspect or suspects showed “no sign of wanting to surrender”. He told reporters he hoped law enforcement could “neutralise” the assailants.
